I guess this should really be called “Craft Show Checklist – What I bring to my shows”

I can’t tell you what to bring… we all have different needs and sell different things in different parts of the country and the world. So while sunscreen and bug spray might be necessities for an outdoor show in Pensacola, FL, you might not need them in … wherever you are. You might not be able to survive without earmuffs, but I wouldn’t know what to do with them at all! So… here it is, in all its glory.

Step 1: Take care of yourself. I don’t know about you but if my hands are dry, I can’t concentrate on ANYthing… let alone smiling and trying to sell my wares! Same goes for germs, headaches, sweat, bugs, etc.

Hairbrush and ponytail holders, especially if you are outdoors and it might get windy

Makeup for touch-ups

A nail clipper, for loose threads on clothing or in case you break/rip a nail.

Feminine hygiene products … even if you don’t need them that day, you might save another artist’s life (just about).

Camera… because I didn’t know what category to put this in.

Step 2: Be prepared for a sale. If you bring all of your merchandise, but aren’t prepared for a sale, it won’t do you any good. It’s better to be prepared for a sale, and forget half your merchandise. At least you can sell what you have!

Cash box with change

Tax information / Business license

Calculator

Credit Card Imprinter

Sign saying you accept credit cards

Business Cards

Mailing list sign-ups (great to offer a raffle prize to entice people to give up their information)

Bags for purchases

Receipts – the carbon copy type so you can keep one and give one to the customer

Pens

Show Schedule fliers… If you don’t catch them this time, you might make a sale next time!

Any other specialized displays (I have baskets, stationery racks, and a card spinner)

Mirror for customers to use

Tables

Chairs

Tablecloths

Banner or sign

Any seasonal decor. I’m not bringing my little Christmas tree to this show, but I’ll bring it to next week’s show!

Step 4: Be prepared! Keep things tidy and be prepared for emergencies.

Small trash can

Binder clips

Sticky lint roller

Paper towels

Clothespins

Clothesline

Stapler

Tape – scotch and duct

Scissors

String

Extra Price Tags

Toolbox

Put everything by the door or by the car the night before (if you’re setting up the day of the show) so you won’t forget anything!

Get a good night’s sleep… which obviously I’m not doing, because it’s about midnight and I’m setting up at 7am tomorrow (half an hour drive to the show and we haven’t loaded the car yet!). Which means I’m going to cut this short. Goodnight!

If you’re in Meridian, MS, I hope to see you at the MOPs Christmas Stop at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church tomorrow!

Hello, I know I'm finding this long after you posted it, but I just wanted to tell you I appreciate the time you took to put this together. I'm doing my second show next week and it's been a long time since the first one! Loved it, too, that you're in Meridian. I'm the only one in my family who's away from MS…my family (including two of my children) is in Biloxi and Jackson. Thanks again!

Hello, I know I'm finding this long after you posted it, but I just wanted to tell you I appreciate the time you took to put this together. I'm doing my second show next week and it's been a long time since the first one! Loved it, too, that you're in Meridian. I'm the only one in my family who's away from MS…my family (including two of my children) is in Biloxi and Jackson. Thanks again!

Thanks Mrs. C
Roxy, I use Propay to accept credit cards… I just make a copy of the card with the imprinter and carbon slips, get the billing zip code (and a phone number just in case something doesn’t work), and then when I get home I can put it in the website. You can also call in the charges over the phone if you want to make extra-sure you don’t get burned.

The very best way to find out about craft shows is to talk to people in the area who are involved in the arts… they’ll know all the local and not-so-local shows that are worth going to!

Thanks Edie. 🙂 I really enjoy going to the shows too, and organization and preparation definitely make a difference from a buyer’s standpoint, I agree!

Hi There!! What a great detailed list!!! Thanks so much! I have a few questions though, How do you accept credit cards?? Do you run them through using a service like Paypal when you get back home?? Also what’s the best way to to find out about craft shows in my area? Again, thanks again so much!!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Recipe Rating

Welcome, Friend!

Hi! I'm Emily Chapelle, and this is my family. Over the last few years, I've worked hard to simplify and streamline my homemaking, so that I can spend more time, energy, and focus on the people who really matter most.

And now, I'm excited to help you do the same! Learn more about me and this site on my about page, and join my free 30-day decluttering challenge below.

My Latest Videos

Categories

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Emily Chapelle / Joyful Abode is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com .